Study of Galatians 3

I chose Galatians to examine the scriptures using hermeneutics, to determine the correct biblical doctrine taught by the Apostle Paul in regards to whether or not Christians must continue to observe (613 laws). The passages I have chosen to build my thesis on, is taken from Galatians 3:1-14, Galatians 2:15 and also other passages of scripture for validation.

My focus will be on subjects of modern day controversy still affecting churches today. Example – Do Christians have to observe the commands such as: circumcision, abstaining from eating pork and also the observance of the Sabbath from Friday to Saturday evening rather than Sunday?

My aim is to find out what the bible teaches in regards to the New Covenant and what it means to no longer be slaves to the law. “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 ESV)

By Faith, or by Works of the Law?

What is the Law? There are 613 laws mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible.

History – According to bible NIV commentary – There are two views regarding the date and destination of the letter to Galatians.

1. The North Galatian theory is that the letter was addressed to churches located in Asia Minor between A.D. 53 and 57 from Ephesus or Macedonia.

2. The South Galatian theory takes the view that the letter was addressed to churches in the southern area of the Roman province of Galatia, written from Syrian Antioch in 48-49 after Paul’s first journey and before the Jerusalem council meeting. (Acts15). Others say that the letter of Galatians was written in Syrian Antioch or Corinth between 51 and 53. We can estimate the time of writing to be between 51 to 57 A.D.

Identifying the Audience God Intended – Who, Where and What for Whom is this letter intended?

Who is the Author of the Book of Galatians?

Written by the Apostle Paul (Acts 9:1-11) Saul/Paul was once a Jew who persecuted Christians from the early church of the way. He was Jewish and very knowledgable in the Jewish faith. Through conversion – the act of changing one’s beliefs from the Jewish faith to teaching the gospel of Christ and then teaching others to follow that teaching. Saul became a follower of Christ Jesus the Messiah and was given the name Paul by The Lord. He then became known as an Apostle for Christ.

Where, what and for whom?

In Galatia he is speaking to the Judaizers (Jewish Christians) to new converts to Christianity as a warning about false teachings. As the early church began, some Judaizers came against Paul’s teachings. These Jewish Christians continued to teach that Old Testament Jewish customs and religious rights, had to be kept, and they were trying to convert them back to Judaism, (which meant back under some of the old laws) They believed that a number of the ceremonial practices of the Old Testament still needed to be done. Example – circumcision and not eating pork.

Example of OT practices – See Exodus 24:6-9 “And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he threw against the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

Judaizers argued that Old Testament practices are still binding on the New Testament Church. (that would be todays Christian churches). The Judaizers argued that Paul was not an authentic apostle and that out of a desire to make the message more appealing to Gentiles, he had removed from the gospel certain legal requirements. With apostolic authority of the gospel, Paul makes his case (defence) for Christ in his letter to the Galatians. Further Biblical study will show the teachings of the Judaizers became a common problem. Paul warned others to beware of (those of the law) and false teachers. (Titus 1, 1Timothy, 2 Corinthians 3, scripture verses are further along in this document). Paul’s adversaries (Judaizers) added requirements for justification (e.g. works of the law). In doing so, Paul said they perverted the gospel of grace. He warned against such false teachings and to adhere to sound doctrine (authority of God as the author) which would include living a life of faith alone and a new life in the freedom of the Spirit.

(Commentary note) This letter of Galatians stands as a vigorous apologetic for the essential NT truth that man is justified by faith in Jesus Christ and nothing more or nothing less and not by legalistic works but by obedience that comes through faith in God, grace and Holy Spirit.

Through study, I will either confirm B. or disprove this commentary note.

Let us look at (Galatians 3:1-14 ESV) as my first set of passages for study.

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”? Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” (This was a covenant with Abraham). So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged upon a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

Analyzing Thought Structure Chapter

Paul asks the Galatians some very strong questions in defense of Gospel of Christ:

1. “O foolish Galatians!” A strong figurative statement.The Galatians were not mentally deficient but lacked correct perception. Example of foolishness. compare text (Luke 24:25 ESV) “And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken!”

2. “Who has bewitched you?” – bewitched—fascinated you so that you have lost your wits. Themistius says the Galatians were naturally very acute in intellect. Paul wonders why they could be so misled in this case.(Word Search)The word bewitched means – to be under the control of an evil magician or demonic spell. The word used is figurative. Paul’s question has a tone of rebuke that expresses deep concern for the Galatian believers who are being lead astray by persuasive teachers of the law (Judaizers). cross reference (Titus 1:14)

Example – (Galatians 4:8-10 ESV)
(Historical) “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. (Presently) But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? You observe days and months and seasons and years.”
Note – When the Galatians were pagans, they thought that the beings they worshiped were gods; but when they became Christians, they learned better. Now they were turning back to the old beliefs.

3. “It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.” A strong reminder to refocus them back to Christ and His crucifixion.” (Literal there were eye witnesses of the Crucifixion of Christ)

Compare texts: Using The Process of Synthesizing to form a hypothesis of the Scripture’s unity.

(1 Corinthians 1:22, 23 ESV)- 22 “For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. Could be used as a parallel element:

Parallel Element
(Numbers 21:9 ESV) “So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live.” (signs and wonders in old testament vs science or Greek mythology, wisdom of man and then there is what Paul preaches – the absolute truth (gospel of Christ)

The tense of the verb crucified indicates that Paul’s vivid portrayal of Christ crucified was not only of the historical event (bronze serpent set it on a pole) but also of the present, saving power of the cross of Christ for all who believe in him. Christ’s death on the cross to the symbolic example of the bronze serpent on a pole for the Jew.

4. Gal. 3 vs 2 “Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith?”

This question seeks a thought out answer where they may have been confused. (Two opposing views. Paul’s question gets the Galatians thinking about their own experience of God. We should not get into the habit of relying on our personal experience to teach us scripture, as it is often shaded by emotions. In this case the questions break through the incorrect teachings and like a shepherds staff direct us in the right direction. One has to decide the correct answer. They were leaning to the incorrect answer which leads to Paul’s second harsh but necessary question. (Ref. Holy Spirit – Ephesians 1:13, Acts 2:38, 8:15, 10:44, 15:8,14, Hebrews 6:4)

5. Gal. 3 vs 3 “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

Paul’s specific point is that the Galatians’ alternative is between living by the Spirit, whom they received when they believed the message of Christ crucified, and seeking perfection by circumcision (and other rites such as food laws and sabbath observance), which would identify them as proselyte Jews (noun) (a gentile who has converted to Judaism). Trying to attain perfection by the flesh in that context meant the attempt to attain spiritual status by conforming to Jewish customs in order to become Jews. The contrast between beginning with the Spirit and trying to attain your goal by the flesh (NIV translates “flesh” as human effort) sets up the antithesis (contrast) between spirit and flesh which recurs in Galatians 4:29, (Gal 5:16-23) and (Gal 6:8). In (Gal 4:23 and 29) the son born according to the flesh (“born in the ordinary way”) is a reference to Jews who hold to the Sinai covenant (Gal 4:24) also (Exodus 19-34) and to the present Jerusalem (Gal 4:25) as the basis of their identity. These are the same ones who desire to boast in circumcised flesh. In other words, in the proselytization of Gentile believers at Galatia (6:13).

Paul preached salvation and sanctification are the work of Holy Spirit not of the flesh (by human effort) or works of the law (obeying 613 laws). Paul refers to Holy Spirit sixteen times. Salvation and sanctification are the work of the Holy Spirit not human effort (flesh). Trying to achieve righteousness by works, including circumcision, was a part of the life in the flesh.

Ref. (Ephesians 2-18) “11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, malienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” (See Col. 2:14, 20)

Hebrews 8:13 -13 – When God speaks of a “New” Covenant, it means he has made the first one obsolete. The old covenants which are many still exist, just like the writings of the Old Testament exist? The Jews could never uphold all the commands, laws or ordinances (613 laws). We do not throw away the Old Covenants, as they had a purpose to fulfil within the prophesied coming of Christ and the New Covenant. We don’t break covenants with God, but God replaces Old Covenants with new.

footnote: Logos commentary – made … old—“hath (at the time of speaking the prophecy) antiquated the first covenant.” From the time of God’s mention of a new covenant (since God’s words are all realities) the first covenant might be regarded as ever dwindling away, until its complete abolition on the actual introduction of the Gospel. Both covenants cannot exist side by side. Mark how verbal inspiration is proved in Paul’s argument turning wholly on the one word “new” (covenant), occurring but once in the Old Testament.

Hebrews 9:15-28 That is why he is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them. For Christ died to set them free from the penalty of the sins they had committed under that first covenant.

God’s promise can be trusted (Genesis 9:17)- God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant that I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth.” (Genesis 9:17 ESV)

Jesus established a new covenant (Luke 22:20) – And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. (Luke 22:20 ESV)

God’s covenant brings life (2 Corinthians, chapter 3) Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory. Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:1-18 ESV)

6. Galatians 3 vs 4 – Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain?”

Paul is again asking a question to make them look at their history and all they suffered. In vain as one who looks in the mirror and immediately forgets what they look like. Was it all for nothing? (Gal 3:4) Paul is saying that those who go back into the old way are being mislead and he wants them to come back to the true gospel which is Christ Crucified and the work of the Holy Spirit. See – (1 Timothy 1:6, 7 ESV) “Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.”

7. Galatians 3 vs 5 -6 ” Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith – (Here we could apply cultural understanding of the Jewish as descendants and under the law of Moses.” Also (Consider Abraham) just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”.

Another question which directs them to consider and choose the right answer between law or faith.

In summary of verses Galatians 3:1-5
Paul’s – questions focus on three aspects of the Galatians:
a) experience of the Spirit: their initial reception of the Spirit (3:1-2)
b) their progress toward maturity by the Spirit (3:3)
c) and their experience of miracles by the Spirit (3:4-5).

8. Galatians 3:7 “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
The general principle tells us it is conditional on faith whether or not they are sons of Abraham. In contemporary terms those of faith are (Christians) followers of Christ. Romans 3:30 – “Justification of uncircumcised or circumcised by faith. The word faith in vs 7 is literal meaning of faith.

9. Galatians 3:8 “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”

The Greek word Gentiles – KJV Heathen) The word nations can also be translated Gentiles depending on context.

10. Galatians 3:9-10 “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things that are written in the book of the law to do them.”

11. Gal. 3:11-14 “Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith. 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.” This is saying: All those who put themselves under the law are under a curse. If you try working for you salvation you are putting yourself under the laws.

Compare texts and (pg. 222 Understanding and Applying the Bible) studied (pg. 261 Bible Prophecy) through OT regarding Abraham to confirm our faith through the fulfilled prophesy of God’s promise to Abraham regarding the Christ. This prophecy influences every believer:

(Prophesy Quote) “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Genesis 12:3 ESV)

“The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?”(Genesis 18:17, 18 ESV)

Reference to Galatians 2:16 – We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:15, 16 ESV) It is impossible to keep all the laws that is why creation needed the perfect sacrifice (Christ Jesus).

(Romans 4:13-16 ESV) For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,” note (Heir to the world The word ‘world’ means all creation.)

(Romans 4:20-25 ESV) No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead – Jesus our Lord, who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.

(Hebrews 11:8, 9 ESV) By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise.

(John 8:33-47 ESV)”They answered him, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know that you are offspring of Abraham; yet you seek to kill me because my word finds no place in you. I speak of what I have seen with my Father, and you do what you have heard from your father.” They answered him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would be doing the works Abraham did, but now you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. This is not what Abraham did. You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”

Summary verses 7-10

a) those of the faith – anyone who is a believer and follower of Christ Jesus. (Gentiles and Jews) By faith Abraham believed in the coming promise.

b) sons of Abraham – Abraham was a figurative spiritual father to the Jewish.

c) justification comes through faith in Christ. Romans 4:12

d) What was the promise? Gen 13:16 – possession of the land of the peoples on earth will be blessed through him Gen 12:3 and his offspring. Gen 22:18 Authoritative word that God purposed through Abraham. His offspring would work out their destiny and inheritance when Christ returns and those justified by faith receive the blessings which would include forgiveness of sins. A new covenant. see (Romans Chapter 4)

Summary verses 11-14

Paul contrasts the two states in their essential nature and principle.

a) Curse – which is death – “And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall bury him the same day, for a hanged man is cursed by God. You shall not defile your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance. (Deuteronomy 21:22, 23 ESV)

Within the New Testament letters the apostles continued to send similar warnings as sent to Galatians, for new converts to Christianity to be aware of the false teachers. See examples – Book of Titus, Book of 1Timothy

(Titus 1:9-16 ESV) He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. (Judaizers -Jewish Christians) They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, (not devoting themselves to Jewish myths) and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. (To the pure, all things are pure,) but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. (They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works.) They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

Taken from the letter to Titus. Titus was one of Paul’s early converts to Christianity. He was a gentile. Paul sent him to Crete, which was in the Mediterranean – This letter was written by Paul after his release from Roman Prison (Acts 28:17-31)

Distinctive Characteristics:
There was a lot of heresy being taught especially from those of the circumcision group. See Galatians 2:12) and (Titus 1:10-16) specifically (literal) wording and warning to teach sound doctrine. Warning of trouble makers, distorting the doctrine. There was three main characteristics:

1. Believed that for salvation or sanctification or both, it was necessary to be circumcised and to keep the Jewish ceremonial law (See Galatians)

2. They held to unscriptural Jewish myths vs (Titus 1:14) and genealogies -“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” (Titus 3:9 ESV) “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.” (1 Timothy 1:3, 4 ESV)

“The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions. Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:5-11 ESV)

Incompatible Passages: These appear to be incompatible passages even contradictory when read in wrong context. Many use these verses to prove they must still live under the law. I myself have been baffled for a quick response. After researching I am gaining a clearer perspective of interpretation.

Incompatible Verses for study.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17-20 ESV)

Some use this verse to defend living under the old law. (Mat. 5:18—“one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law “the word of God shall stand forever”).

Hebrews 9:15
15 Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Footnote Systematic Theology in reference to (Mat. 5:18—“one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass away from the law “the word of God shall stand forever”).
“In God’s veracity we have the guarantee that our faculties in their normal exercise do not deceive us; that the laws of thought are also laws of things; that the external world, and second causes in it, have objective existence; that the same causes will always produce the same effects; that the threats of the moral nature will be executed upon the unrepentant transgressor; that man’s moral nature is made in the image of God’s; and that we may draw just conclusions from what conscience is in us to what holiness is in him. We may therefore expect that all past revelations, whether in nature or in his word, will not only not be contradicted by our future knowledge, but will rather prove to have in them more of truth than we ever dreamed. Man’s word may pass away, but God’s word abides forever.”

To this view we urge the following objections: note Systematic Theology

(a) That since the law is a transcript of the holiness of God, its demands as a moral rule are unchanging. Only as a system of penalty and a method of salvation is the law abolished in Christ’s death.

(b) That the union between Christ and the believer secures not only the bearing of the penalty of the law by Christ, but also the impartation of Christ’s spirit of obedience to the believer,—in other words, brings him into communion with Christ’s work, and leads him to ratify it in his own experience.

(c) That the freedom from the law of which the Scriptures speak, is therefore simply that freedom from the constraint and bondage of the law, which characterizes those who have become one with Christ by faith.

“Jesus also gave instruction of what to do and what not to do. He summed the commandments by giving us the greatest commandment: “And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 ESV)

We would be hard pressed to truthfully say any one of us could completely fulfill this great commandment. Can anyone fully love The Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and if you see other verses which say,”strength”? We may strive and desire to obey and reach that level of devotion and obedience to God, but we cannot fully do this when we love other people or things or think of other things etc. We naturally love other things as well as God. We love our spouses, children, family, and friends too. In this way, we don’t love God with all our hearts do we? That makes us all sinners. For no one fully loves God with all their heart. Again, it is only through the righteousness of Christ that we can stand before God forgiven of sin. There is a condition – To attain His Christ’s righteousness we must believe in our hearts and minds in regards to the one true Christ – God the Son, Jesus as our Saviour. The only one high priest who can be the propitiation for our sins. Jesus in His birth, death and resurrection proved that He is the fulfillment of the New Covenant between God and creation. He himself also said He has come to fulfill the law.

Summary Conclusion
After much research, I conclude that we have a moral responsibility to obey God. Moral commandments apply to all people in all times. We must also know the Word of God and live under the Authority of God, while being set free from the death of sin (breaking of the law) but only through:

a) experience of the Spirit: their initial reception of the Spirit (Gal. 3:1-2)
b) progress toward maturity by the Spirit (Gal. 3:3)
c) experience of miracles by the Spirit (Gal. 3:4-5).
d) Christ crucified, faith in Christ, justification for Jews or Gentiles who believe. `
e) Not by works of the law, but by faith in Christ alone.
f) God’s promise to Abraham fulfilled through Christ’s death on the Cross (fulfilled Old Covenant by His shed blood) “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.
h) “And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.”
The Greek word Gentiles – KJV Heathen) The word nations can also be translated Gentiles depending on context.
I) “So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.” (Gal. 3:9)
It is an incorrect teaching which tells Christians they must still live under the old laws. It is to go back into slavery from that which Christ set us free (free from the curse – Christ became curse for us). It is also clear that the New Covenant has added even higher standards being a follower of Christ Jesus (Christian) A moral standard written not on tablets but on our hearts. Holy Spirit will help us live to such a calling.

For further study:
Also, a commentary Galatians CHAPTER 3

Ga 3:1–29. Reproof of the Galatians for Abandoning Faith for Legalism. Justification by Faith Vindicated: The Law Shown to Be Subsequent to the Promise: Believers Are the Spiritual Seed of Abraham, Who Was Justified by Faith. The Law Was Our Schoolmaster to Bring Us to Christ, that We Might Become Children of God by Faith.

1. that ye should not obey the truth—omitted in the oldest manuscripts.

you—emphatical. “You, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been graphically set forth (literally, in writing, namely, by vivid portraiture in preaching) among you, crucified” (so the sense and Greek order require rather than English Version). As Christ was “crucified,” so ye ought to have been by faith “crucified with Christ,” and so “dead to the law” (Ga 2:19, 20). Reference to the “eyes” is appropriate, as fascination was supposed to be exercised through the eyes. The sight of Christ crucified ought to have been enough to counteract all fascination.

2. “Was it by the works of the law that ye received the Spirit (manifested by outward miracles, Ga 3:5; Mk 16:17; Heb 2:4; and by spiritual graces, Ga 3:14; Ga 4:5, 6; Eph 1:13), or by the hearing of faith?” The “only” implies, “I desire, omitting other arguments, to rest the question on this alone”; I who was your teacher, desire now to “learn” this one thing from you. The epithet “Holy” is not prefixed to “Spirit” because that epithet is a joyous one, whereas this Epistle is stern and reproving [Bengel]. hearing of faith—Faith consists not in working, but in receiving (Ro 10:16, 17).

3. begun—the Christian life (Php 1:6).

In the Spirit—Not merely was Christ crucified “graphically set forth” in my preaching, but also “the Spirit” confirmed the word preached, by imparting His spiritual gifts. “Having thus begun” with the receiving His spiritual gifts, “are ye now being made perfect” (so the Greek), that is, are ye seeking to be made perfect with “fleshly” ordinances of the law? [Estius]. Compare Ro 2:28; Php 3:3; Heb 9:10. Having begun in the Spirit, that is, the Holy Spirit ruling your spiritual life as its “essence and active principle” [Ellicott], in contrast to “the flesh,” the element in which the law works [Alford]. Having begun your Christianity in the Spirit, that is, in the divine life that proceeds from faith, are ye seeking after something higher still (the perfecting of your Christianity) in the sensuous and the earthly, which cannot possibly elevate the inner life of the Spirit, namely, outward ceremonies? [Neander]. No doubt the Galatians thought that they were going more deeply into the Spirit; for the flesh may be easily mistaken for the Spirit, even by those who have made progress, unless they continue to maintain a pure faith [Bengel].

4. Have ye suffered so many things—namely, persecution from Jews and from unbelieving fellow countrymen, incited by the Jews, at the time of your conversion.

yet—rather, “If it be really (or ‘indeed’) in yet—rather, “If it be really (or ‘indeed’) in vain” [Ellicott]. “If, as it must be, what I have said, ‘in vain,’ is really the fact” [Alford]. I prefer understanding it as a mitigation of the preceding words. I hope better things of you, for I trust you will return from legalism to grace; if so, as I confidently expect, you will not have “suffered so many things in vain” [Estius]. For “God has given you the Spirit and has wrought mighty works among you” (Ga 3:5; Heb 10:32–36) [Bengel].

5. He … that ministereth—or “supplieth,” God (2 Co 9:10). He who supplied and supplies to you the Spirit still, to the present time. These miracles do not prove grace to be in the heart (Mk 9:38, 39). He speaks of these miracles as a matter of unquestioned notoriety among those addressed; an undesigned proof of their genuineness (compare 1 Co 12:1–31).

doeth he it by the works of the law—that is, as a consequence resulting from (so the Greek) the works of the law (compare Ga 3:2). This cannot be because the law was then unknown to you when you received those gifts of the Spirit.

6. The answer to the question in Galatians 3:5 is here taken for granted, It was by the hearing of faith: following this up, he says, “Even as Abraham believed,” &c. (Ge 15:4–6; Ro 4:3). God supplies unto you the Spirit as the result of faith, not works, just as Abraham obtained justification by faith, not by works (Ga 3:6, 8, 16; Ga 3:6, 8, 16, Ga 4:22, 26, 28). Where justification is, there the Spirit is, so that if the former comes by faith, the latter must also. 7. they which are of faith—as the source and starting-point of their spiritual life. The same phrase is in the Greek of Ro 3:26.

the same—these, and these alone, to the exclusion of all the other descendants of Abraham.

children—Greek, “sons” (Ga 3:29).

8. And—Greek, “Moreover.”

foreseeing—One great excellency of Scripture is, that in it all points liable ever to be controverted, are, with prescient wisdom, decided in the most appropriate language.

would justify—rather, “justifieth.” Present indicative. It is now, and at all times, God’s one way of justification.

the heathen—rather, “the Gentiles”; or “the nations,” as the same Greek is translated at the end of the verse. God justifieth the Jews, too, “by faith, not by works.”

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About Rebecca Robinson

I'm a country girl who loves being outdoors where everything seems new every morning. It is my passion to write about life and experiences while at the same time, dipping into my imagination. Recently, I published three fiction books called "The Narrow Road Series".
Previously in 2005, through Xulon Press, I published a non-fiction inspirational/biography/study book title - "When Time Stands Still" written under pen name Rebecca Hickson.
Poetry is also included in many of my stories. You can listen to some of my music on soundcloud. Currently, I am working on the fourth book in "The Narrow Road Series". Writing and learning how the internet works, seems to take up a great deal of my time.